‘O Captain! My Captain! Our Fearful Trip Is Done’ – Presidents’ Day Doings

Friday, Feb. 13

To mark the 150th anniversary of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, the Newseum will open its new exhibit, “President Lincoln Is Dead: The New York Herald Reports the Assassination” on Friday, Feb, 13.

The exhibit will include an unparalleled collection of New York Herald special editions from April 15, 1865. For the first time since 1865, the exhibit brings together all seven editions, beginning with the 2 a.m. edition, which contained the first Associated Press report that Lincoln had been shot.

*”When lilacs last in the dooryard bloom’d,
And the great star early droop’d in the western sky in the night,
I mourn’d, and yet shall mourn with ever-returning spring.”*

The poem was written by Walt Whitman in the summer of 1865 during a period of profound national mourning in the aftermath of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in April 1865.

The display will also include a recently discovered ”extra” that was one of the first newspapers to report the president’s death. Visitors will be able to view the newspaper’s complete coverage of the tragic event as it unfolded. The museum is located at 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.

Monday, Feb. 16

Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday, Monday, Feb. 16, by visiting his Mount Vernon home and burial site. There will be a number of special events and displays, free of charge throughout the day.

Visitors will have the opportunity to mingle with costumed characters from George Washington’s world from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ”General Washington” is on the grounds to greet visitors and receive birthday wishes all day.

Mount Vernon, one of the nation’s most beloved historic sites, is open 365 days a year and located at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Va. 22121.

Other events celebrating Presidents’ Day

Sunday, Feb. 15

Presidential family fun day: a museum-wide patriotic day with a variety of crafts and performances dedicated to our nation’s famous past leaders, meet Presidents Washington and Lincoln, participate in arts and crafts, listen to a local a cappella group and more. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F streets NW. 202-633-1000. Free.

George Washington Classic 10K Race and 2K Fun Run: Certified course through Eisenhower Valley. Registration, 6:30 a.m. to 7:55 a.m.; race at 8 a.m.; $10 to $35. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 600 Dulany St., Alexandria, Va. 703-829-6640. www.washingtonbirthday.net

“Walking With Washington”: An hour-long walking tour of sites in Alexandria associated with George Washington. 2 p.m. Ramsey House Visitors Center, 221 King St., Alexandria, Va. 703-829-6640. Free; reservations required. www.washingtonbirthday.net

Monday, Feb. 16

Library of Congress: Presidents’ Day semiannual open house for visitors to the Jefferson Building’s Great Hall. Exhibitions, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Main Reading Room open. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Library of Congress, Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE. 202-707-8000. Free.

Madison’s Washington: A National Park Service ranger discusses what the city looked like at the time of President Madison’s administration. 2 p.m. Thomas Jefferson Memorial, 900 Ohio Drive SW. 202-497-1397. Free.

George Washington Birthday Events: Features a Breakfast and Meeting of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution and an Armed Forces Community Covenant Ceremony. For a complete schedule, www.washingtonbirthday.net. 703-829-6640; free.

Tuesday, Feb. 17

Abraham Lincoln’s life in music: Pianist Elizabeth Smith Brownstein performs pieces from the Civil War, offering insights into rarely considered aspects of his temperament and leadership. 7 p.m., Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-549-4172; $20, in advance $15.